Residents look to kick off 2014 by getting in shape

With the new year approaching, people often make resolutions, with one of the more popular ones being getting in shape.

Kelly Cannon, director of the Woodmen Community Center, said the center has seen an increase in membership

“This time of year people are setting new goals for the new year,” she said. “Usually people have weight loss goals so they come join the center and hopefully they can stick to it throughout the year.”

Cannon said in order to succeed, people need to do more than just want to exercise.

“It has to be a lifestyle change,” she said. “You can’t just say I’m going to do this for a couple of days. You have to change and modify everything in your life according to what you eat and exercise. It has to be a change in mindset and usually people who do that are successful in their goals.”

Blake Cates, a trainer at Gold's Gym in Kinston, said she has seen membership increase around 20 percent during the last few weeks.

“Everybody is getting geared up for 2014,” she said.

Cates said new members are assessed so trainers can help in creating workouts to best fit the member.

“We start with them where they are and then we work with them,” she said. “When we do physical training we track their progression every month as they work out.”

Hattie Strickland, of Dover, said she plans on working out more in 2014.

She said she consults with a nurse at North Carolina Health Smart along with her doctor to help get in better shape. She said she sticks to the same workout plan each time she hits the gym.

“I walk at least two miles, use a couple of the machines and then ride on the bike for a while,” she said.

Hannah Vermillion said she works out every day.

She uses the elliptical machines and participates in Extreme Fit at the Woodmen Center.

While other people may have a goal of slimming down, Brad Kornegay said he wants to bulk up and increase his muscle mass.

“It will take eating the right foods along with proper supplements,” he said.

He said he works out for an hour and a half five to six times a week.

Cates said although many people slack off from their resolution, it’s important to keep exercising if people want to achieve their goals.

“They key is being consistent and having someone to hold you accountable,” she said.

Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.

Tips for staying in shape in 2014

1. Set specific, measureable, and manageable goals. Plan to start exercising for 15 minutes, three times a week. Another example is to weigh yourself weekly on the same day. Track your work by writing it down.

2. Use a variety of reminders. Schedule your exercise sessions on your calendar like any other appointment. Get gym clothes ready ahead of time and stationed at the door. Ask people to remind you.